Everett, MA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

Division 11 of Chapter 12 of the Revised Ordinances of the City of Everett, Massachusetts (Middlesex County) governs outdoor dining on public sidewalks and on private property alike. Section 12-1005 bars anyone from operating an outdoor dining area until the permit is issued. The application goes to the department of planning and development and must list the applicant and property owner, include written authorization from the owner, and attach a scale sketch of the proposed tables, chairs and planters. The sketch must show the width of any doors leading to the dining area and the location of fire hydrants, utility poles and other fixtures on the sidewalk or within 50 feet. The applicant also states the seating capacity of the existing establishment and the proposed seating capacity outdoors. Planning and development then makes a recommendation to the chief of police under Section 17-12, and the chief signs off as the final issuing authority.

Section 12-1004 sets the permit conditions. The permit covers only the property address named on it, and the applicant must be in good standing with the city for taxes and free of outstanding building, sanitary, zoning or fire code violations. It is tied to both the location and the owner, so a sale ends it and the new owner must reapply. Standard dates of operation run from Patriot's Day to Columbus Day, extension requests go to the director of planning and development, and the area can be used only from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Section 12-1003 supplies the design standards. Barriers are required when the area extends more than 3 feet into the public right-of-way, stanchions, posts and sectional fences must be 36 inches or greater in height, access openings must be 44 inches or greater in width, and the dining area must leave a minimum of 5 feet of unobstructed passageway on the sidewalk. Furniture is removed at the end of each business day. Section 12-1006 requires a general liability policy naming the City of Everett as additional insured, plus a signed indemnification statement, before any permit issues.